east village idiot

I’ve felt especially guilty using the name of my neighborhood as the title of this blog for as long as I have. I don’t really write too much about the East Village, and I’ve never really done much for the neighborhood.

But I’d like to. And you can help.

This month, DonorsChoose is holding their Blogger Challenge. They’re challenging bloggers (and their readers) to raise money for high-need public schools by funding special projects that teachers submit.

I’ve chosen a project at a New York City Public School in the East Village for a cause that’s near and dear to my heart. My little brother is autistic, and I’ve truly come to appreciate the struggles of the parents, the children themselves, and the teachers who go to great strides to help these children become as well-adjusted as they possibly can (and for most, that will never truly be the case).

Autism is a neurological disorder that affects 1 in every 150 children. It can cripple a child’s ability to communicate and socialize. Special Education that focuses on cognitive skills and communication - much like the programs I want to help fund - will help bring these children some form of improvement, which is the best we can do until a fully effective treatment or cure is found. To see some examples of these educational strategies, watch this video.

The first project I hope to fund with your help will supply learning materials to children with autism at P.S. 15 in Alphabet City. Click on the link in the sidebar and help as much as you can - as little as it may be, it will most certainly help.

Update: Some words from my mother (in the comments) about just where these dollars will go:

The items this teacher is requesting for her students are essential to their success. Sensory integration/learning in the classroom is critical to helping ASD (ed. note: Autism Spectrum Disorder) kids learn and focus, and maintain emotional control. The more tactile movement and sensory experiences they have, the more they learn.

I truly believe, it was the most helpful therapy and learning tool you own brother received.

Bravo, for taking on such a worthwhile project in your own back yard. We’ll be glad to contribute.

This entry was posted on Monday, October 1st, 2007 at 2:53 pm and is filed under Blogging about Blogging. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.